Do I need to take photos at the police station to get a passport, or do I just take photos myself?

You must confirm this. The requirements of the Exit-Entry Administration Office of the Municipal Public Security Bureau are different. If you agree to bring it yourself, you can bring it yourself. If you can't, you can only take a photo at the designated photo studio, but I suggest you spend tens of dollars to take a photo at the photo studio designated by the Public Security Bureau. Just to be on the safe side, lest you say that your photo is unqualified and let you take it again!